Chapter 13
Kevin released Julianna’s embrace. She went to a side table and retrieved several gifts.“I bought these for you. See if you like them.”
Kevin’s eyes widened.“Iron Man!”
“Do you like it?” Julianna patted his head gently. “It’s a limited edition. I had to ask many people for help to get
it.”
“Thank you, Mom!” His clear voice filled the villa. “Mom, you’re so kind!”
Julianna stopped crying, a smile replacing her tears. “Darling, you called me Mom.”
“Dad said it wasn’t easy for you to have me.” He put down the Iron Man toy, taking a tissue to wipe her tears.“Mom, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have been mean this morning. I won’t do it again.”
Julianna cried harder, her vulnerability palpable.“Baby, it’s not your fault. Mommy will be a good mother.”
“Mommy, it’s not your fault!” Kevin hugged her proactively.“Dad said you always loved me, and I’ll love you
too!”
Julianna looked at Joshua, tears streaming down her face.“Thank
you, Joshua.”
He walked over, offering his handkerchief.“It’s what I should do. Don’t cry. Kevin will be upset.”
“Yes, Mom, you’re so beautiful. Don’t cry. Crying makes you ugly!”
Julianna took the handkerchief, wiping her tears.“Okay, I won’t cry.”
The scene was warm, filled with familial affection. Kevin played with his gifts, Julianna watching him gently. Joshua sat on a separate sofa, working on his phone.
Julianna turned to him. Hesitantly, she spoke softly, “What about Ms. Copeland?”
Joshua looked up, his expression indifferent. “I’ll handle it.”
“Ms. Copeland took such good care of Kevin. I feel guilty.”
“It’s not your fault,” his voice was low.“Kevin is your child.”
“Yes, Mom!” Kevin piped up from his toys. “I was born by you! And you’re so beautiful! Dad says I’m cute because you are!”
Julianna chuckled, tapping his nose. “You flatterer! Don’t say that to Gemma. She’ll be angry.”
17:27
